Population Dynamics of the White-Spotted Spinefoot (Siganus canaliculatus, Park 1797) in the Luwu Seas, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

The white-spotted spinefoot (Siganus canaliculatus) is a potential demersal fish with a high economic value, and it is widely found in the Luwu Seas, especially in Buntu Matabing Village. The capture uses several types of fishing gear, including gill nets, stake nets, and spears. The white-spotted spinefoot's size structure, age group, growth, mortality, exploitation rate, and Y/R were all examined in this study's population dynamics, followed by the examination of the utilization status of this fish species caught in the Luwu seas. The study was implemented in four months: November – December 2023 and January – February 2024. The stratified random sampling technique was employed for sampling, stratifying the fishing gear used, and the depth and size of the fish. The total sample size reached was 1287 fish, which demonstrated a length range of 10 to 22.8cm TL, along with an average length of 14cm TL. Results of the analysis were collected for one group in the following length ranges: 10 to 22.8cm, L∞ = 35cm, K = 0.28 in relative time, M = 0.77 year^-1, F = 2.56 year^-1, and Z = 3.33 year^-1. A value of E = 0.77 was recorded, which exceeded the optimum exploitation rate value (0.50), indicating an overfishing in the location. The yield recruitment^-1 (Y/R’) value was 0.0134 grams recruitment^-1. Due to this, the recruitment process was abnormal caused by over exploitation.